WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- The Burns-Huggins House on North 7th Street has had its share of ups and downs. After suffering a devastating fire last February, homeowner Suzanne Stanley has it restored and ready for this year's Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour.

Built in 1832, the Burns-Huggins House is a Wilmington Plain home. Now a part of historic downtown, it was once considered to be in a rural part of town.

"The end of the city was at 4th Street, so this was country," Stanley said. "So this is a country house. This is a farm house."

Owen Burns purchased the property in 1853 for $600. From there, it went through two more owners, one of whom was a Civil War soldier and watchmaker, Mr. Whitney. He was known to be a creature of habit.

"Dinner was noon. Supper was evening," Stanley said. "And he would come out at exactly 4:45 and shut all of the shutters. "

Stanley added her own touches with her affection for Gen. George. In the front hallway, vibrant colors dance across the wall in a mural a friend painted for her. Each Civil War soldier has the face of one of her family members. Despite the few changes, Stanley embraces the history of the home.

"When I opened up the front door and walked in for the first time, I cried, because all my life I've been going to historic places," she said.

More than four walls and a foundation, this place represents "Tradition, heritage, historic and safe," Stanley said. "I love living downtown."

Even an old home like this can offer some fresh fun to Stanley's granddaughter, Cora.

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